On March 8th, 2023, German national football team head coach Hansi Flick confirms that midfielder İlkay Gündoğan will not be a part of the national team. This news comes as a surprise to many football fans, as Gündoğan has been a key player for both Manchester City and the German national team in recent years.
Gündoğan was born in Germany to Turkish parents and has played for the German national team since 2011. He has been an important player for the team, scoring 17 goals in 61 appearances. He was also a key player in Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad.
However, in recent years, Gündoğan has been plague by injuries and has struggled to maintain consistent form. He has also been criticize for his performances in big games, particularly in Germany’s disappointing Euro 2020 campaign.
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Why was lkay Gündoan not selected?
Flick’s decision to leave Gündoğan out of the national team is a bold move, but it may be necessary for the team’s success. With the 2024 European Championship just around the corner, Flick needs to make tough decisions about the team’s lineup.
Flick has not given any specific reasons for leaving Gündoğan out of the squad, but it is likely that his recent form and injury concerns are contributing factors. Flick has a wealth of midfield options to choose from, including Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos, and Leon Goretzka, all of whom are in excellent form.
While Gündoğan’s absence may disappoint some fans, it could be an opportunity for younger players to step up and make their mark on the national team. Flick has shown a willingness to give younger players a chance, as evidenced by his decision to give Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala their debuts in recent games.
It is also worth noting that Flick’s decision to leave Gündoğan out of the squad does not necessarily mean that he will never play for the national team again. Gündoğan is still only 32 years old, and if he can regain his form and fitness, he could be a valuable addition to the team in the future.
In the meantime, Gündoğan will continue to focus on his club career with Manchester City. He has been in excellent form this season, scoring 10 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions. He will undoubtedly be disappointed to miss out on the national team. But he will no doubt continue to work hard to maintain his form and fitness.
